Republican News · Thursday 28 March 2002

Wear an Easter Lily

This weekend, republicans across Ireland and beyond will gather to pay their respects to the men and women who have given their lives in the cause of Irish freedom. The Easter Lily, first devised by Cumann na mBan in 1926, is the potent symbol of that sacrifice and of the struggle for the Irish Republic.

To take just one example, republicans in Clare this Sunday will commemorate three young men, two of them just 18 years old, who in 1923 were put before a Free State Army firing squad. The remains of William O'Shaughnessy, Christy Quinn and Patrick O'Mahony lie in the Republican Plot at Drumcliffe Cemetery.

Volunteer William O'Shaughnessy was employed as a postman before going on active service in 1922. His friend, Volunteer Christy Quinn, was serving an apprenticeship in the tailoring business when he volunteered for active service in 1922. Volunteer Patrick O'Mahony worked for his father's shoe-making business in the town. It is said that he became unhappy during his apprenticeship and enlisted in the British Army. He returned to Ennis and became a member of the IRA in 1921.

Like the men and women commemorated on the republican Roll of Honour and the just published Roll of Remembrance, these three were ordinary young men who displayed idealism, courage and commitment in extraordinary times.

This weekend, we will march to windswept cemeteries and converge on cold stone monuments, but the revolutionary spirit that drove the men and women we are remembering to put their lives on the line is a living breathing entity. Their vision and ideals are infectious, their goal as yet unachieved.

This weekend, republicans will rededicate ourselves to advancing the cause of a new Ireland in which Irish men and Irish women, whatever our birthplace, or colour, or religion, or politics, will live together in peace and harmony; a new Ireland in which every citizen will respect the dignity and worth of their brothers and sisters, an Ireland no longer partitioned; a sovereign, united country.

This weekend, wear your Easter Lily with pride.